Axios, citing two sources from mediating countries and one U.S. official, reported that Qatar, Pakistan and several other regional countries are working to ease tensions between the United States and Iran and create conditions for the resumption of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The report comes as U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the temporary agreement and ceasefire with Iran had ended and ordered a new wave of airstrikes. Hours after his remarks, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on all parties to uphold their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding remains a framework for mutual understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity in the region and beyond, stressing the importance of all parties adhering to the agreement.
According to Axios, citing informed sources, the U.S. administration remains focused on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, preventing the conflict from escalating, and bringing Tehran and Washington back to the negotiating table. The sources said that despite the recent military strikes, the White House continues to favour a diplomatic solution over further military confrontation.
The report added that Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt are among the countries that have stepped up mediation efforts in recent days to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran and encourage both sides to resume negotiations.
Axios also reported that one of Washington’s primary concerns is ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to prevent disruptions to global oil exports and instability in international energy markets. According to the sources, mediators have held intensive contacts with U.S. and Iranian officials in recent days in an effort to prevent the conflict from widening.
The report further said that despite the recent U.S. airstrikes, diplomatic channels between Tehran and Washington remain open, and efforts to resume dialogue and de-escalate tensions are continuing.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
